Used Battery (From a Wrecked Car)
Buying a used hybrid battery from a wrecked car can be a viable budget option, but it comes with significant risks and uncertainties. Here's a breakdown of the key considerations and potential pitfalls:
​
Key Considerations:
-
Age and Odometer Reading: The age of the vehicle and its mileage at the time of wrecking give an indication of how much life is left in the battery. Older cars with high mileage may have more wear on the battery.
-
Inactive Period: A battery that's been sitting unused for a long time might have heavily self-discharged, reduced capacity. Depending on the duration of inactivity, it could be a gamble whether it still performs well.
-
Lack of Information: These batteries often come without detailed usage history. The condition might be a "guesstimate," and performance can vary widely.
​
Risks:
-
Warranty: Salvage yards typically offer limited warranties (e.g., 3 months or "start-up" warranties), which cover only the most immediate issues. Anything beyond that might be on you.
-
Installation Costs: Unless you're doing it yourself, the cost of labor for installation can add up. If the battery fails soon after installation even within Warranty, you're left footing the bill for reinstalling another one.
Conclusion:
If you're familiar with hybrid batteries, have solid information or have good connections in the wrecking industry. Otherwise, It’s a gamble, and if you win, congrats.